UB Launches African Climate and Energy Research Program
The University of Buea has launched a four-year European Union-funded programme aimed at expanding academic collaboration and building African expertise in climate resilience, renewable energy and sustainable development.
The initiative, known as the African Network for Studies on Climate Resilience and Energy Sustainability (ANCRES), was officially launched on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, during a kick-off board meeting at the Faculty of Science, bringing together representatives of partner institutions and the European technical partner.
Coordinated by the University of Buea under the EU’s Intra-Africa Academic Mobility Scheme, ANCRES involves universities from Cameroon, Nigeria, Namibia, Gabon and Rwanda, with the University of Bari Aldo Moro in Italy serving as its European technical partner.
Project Coordinator, Dr. Bokanda Ekoko Eric, disclosed that the programme will provide 59 mobility opportunities, including scholarships for 32 master’s students, six PhD students, seven academic staff members and 14 trainees.
The programme will support research and training in climate change, environmental pollution, coastal ecosystems and renewable energy, while providing beneficiaries with opportunities for academic exchange and practical skills development. Its scholarship package covers tuition, research expenses, travel, visa support and insurance, alongside monthly stipends.
Speaking at the meeting, Dean of the Faculty of Science, Professor Roland Ndip, described ANCRES as a significant opportunity to strengthen scientific capacity through knowledge sharing and institutional partnerships.
Meanwhile, Professor Fulvio Franchi of the University of Bari encouraged African students to embrace academic mobility, noting that exchanges between universities would promote intercultural understanding, scientific cooperation and continental integration.
With its first selection process already underway, ANCRES is expected to equip young professionals with relevant expertise while strengthening Africa’s capacity to address climate-related challenges and advance clean-energy development.
